GB2457989A

GB2457989A - Securing apparatus using proximity card

Info

Publication number: GB2457989A
Application number: GB0804244A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Reginald Michael Bradbury
Original assignee: BROXAP Ltd
Current assignee: BROXAP Ltd
Priority date: 2008-03-07
Filing date: 2008-03-07
Publication date: 2009-09-09
Anticipated expiration: 2028-03-07
Also published as: GB2457989B; GB0804244D0

Abstract

A securing apparatus 10, particularly for securing a bicycle, includes a frame 12 and a securing element 18, one end 20 of which is permanently mounted to the frame 12. The other end 22 of the securing element 18 is selectively lockable to the frame 12 by an engagement means 38, to form a loop. The engagement means 38 includes a proximity card reader 40 such that when a proximity card with a required unique code is brought into the proximity of the reader 40, the end 22 can be released from the frame 12 to release a bike held in the loop. The engagement means may be adapted to automatically lock when the proximity card is removed from proximity with the reader.

Description

Securing Apparatus This invention concerns securing apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively apparatus for securing bikes to a fixture.

A number of proposals have been made for securing bikes and other items to a fixture to permit unauthorised removal thereof. Problems have been encountered with many of these prior proposals. In the first instances vandalism can be a significant problem. Where openings are provided items are often pushed thereinto causing damage. Also in some instances, glue or other liquids can be poured into the openings. Damage is also regularly caused to any moving parts.

Furthermore, many such securing arrangements are located externally, and are therefore exposed to the elements. Wet weather in particular can cause damage and deterioration to such arrangements, and particularly to exposed locks or other mechanisms.

According to the present invention there is provided a securing apparatus, the apparatus including a fixture member and a securing member lockable to the fixture member by a selectively releasable engagement means, the engagement means including a proximity card reader, such that when a proximity card with a required unique code is brought into the proximity of the reader, the engagement means is released, permitting removal of the securing member from the fixture member.

The apparatus may be arranged, such that when the proximity card is moved away from the card reader, the engagement means automatically returns to a locked condition.

The engagement means may include a moveable finger, selectively extendable through a hole in a securing part of the securing member. The moveable finger may be controlled by a solenoid.

An opening may be provided in the fixture member into which the securing part is selectively locatable, and the moveable finger may be selectively extendable across the opening and through the hole in the securing part.

The securing member may be elongate, with one end mounted to the fixture member, and the securing part on the other end. The securing member may be in the form of a flexible line means.

The fixture member may include a frame upstanding from the ground.

The invention also provides bicycle securing apparatus, the apparatus being according to the any of the preceding six paragraphs, with the securing member engagable with a bike to lock same to the frame.

The invention also provides a bike securing system, the system including an enclosure with a lockable entrance means, which is unlockable using a proximity card with a first unique code, and a plurality of bicycle securing apparatus according to the above paragraph, the bicycle securing apparatus being operable to secure or release a bicycle by a proximity card with a second unique code.

A single proximity card may carry both the first and second unique codes. A different second unique code may be provided for each bicycle securing apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig 1 is a diagrammatic side view of a securing apparatus according to the invention in use; Fig 2 is a plan view of the apparatus Fig 1; Fig 3 is a diagrammatic end view of the apparatus of Fig 1; Fig 4 is a partially cut away part of the apparatus of Fig 1; Fig 5 is a plan and side view of components of the apparatus of Fig 1; Fig 6 is a diagrammatic plan view of a bicycle security system according to the invention.

The drawings show a bicycle security apparatus 10 including a fixture member in the form of a frame 12 comprising two spaced uprights 14 interconnected by a cross bar 16.

A securing member in the form of a strengthened loop of wire 18 extends between the uprights 14 at respective locations spaced a short distance below the cross bar 16. One end 20 of the wire loop 18 is fixed to the right hand upright 14 as shown in Fig 1. The other end 22, is selectively lockable to the left hand upright 14 as shown in Fig 1.

The lockable end 22 has a securing part 24 in the form of a strip of material with a first portion 26 including a through locking hole 28, and a second head portion 30, which is wider than the locking portion 26. A smaller hole 32 is provided in head portion 30, which receives in a loop one end of the wire 18.

A slot 34 is provided in the left hand upright 14 as shown in Fig 1. A solenoid 36 is mounted above the slot 34 and has a finger 38 which extends downwardly from the solenoid 36, except when the solenoid is powered, to extend across the slot 34. Immediately above the top of the left hand upright 14 in the end of the cross bar is a proximity card reader 40.

The apparatus 10 can operate as follows. When not in use the wire loop 18 can hang from the frame 12 in a loop. If it is required to secure a bicycle 42 to the frame 12, the lockable end 22 is removed from the frame 12 by bringing a respective proximity card into close proximity of the reader 40.

This causes actuation of the solenoid 36 and hence rising of the finger 38.

When the proximity card is moved away from the card reader 40, the solenoid 36 will be deactuated and the finger 38 will drop again.

The wire loop 18 can be passed through or around appropriate parts of the bicycle 42. The proximity card can be brought back adjacent the reader 40, such that the solenoid 36 is actuated raising the finger 38. The lockable end 22 can then be inserted into the slot 34 with the head portion 30 being too large to extend into the slot 34, and therefore abutting against the upright 14.

The bicycle 42 can obviously be released by again bringing the proximity card close to the card reader 40.

Fig 6 shows a bicycle securing system 44. The system 44 includes an enclosure 46 which can be formed of fencing, wire or a solid structure such as brick or concrete walling, and may include a roof (not shown). A door 48 is provided into the enclosure 46. The door 48 is selectively lockable with a proximity reader 50 provided to enable selectively unlocking of the door 48.

Seven bicycle securing apparatus 10 are located within the enclosure 46.

In use, usually one proximity card only will be issued to a user of the system 44. This card will include a first unique code which permits unlocking of the door 48, and a second unique code which permits release of the wire loop 18 from one only of the apparatus 10. Such a system would be suitable for use in a work environment or elsewhere where each person with a card can enter the enclosure 46, but only access one of the apparatus 10 which could secure their own bicycle.

There is thus described a bike securing apparatus and also a bike securing system, which provides for a number of advantageous features. No externally accessible operating parts are provided, thereby making it difficult and unappealing to vandals. Furthermore the lack of exposed operating parts means that the operating parts are not exposed to the weather. The apparatus and system can readily be operated by a person issued with an appropriate proximity card, and the apparatus and system can easily be operated.

It is to be realised that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the apparatus can take different forms. A different way of securing the wire loops could be used.

A securing means other than wire loops could be utHised.

Whilst the above example relates to securing a bicycle, apparatus, according to the invention, could be used for securing a wide range of different items.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims 1. A securing apparatus, the apparatus including a fixture member and a securing member lockable to the fixture member by a selectively releasable engagement means, the engagement means including a proximity card reader, such that when a proximity card with a required unique code is brought into the proximity of the reader, the engagement means is released, permitting removal of the securing member from the fixture member.
2. A securing apparatus according to claim 1, in which the apparatus is arranged, such that when the proximity card is moved away from the card reader, the engagement means automatically returns to a locked condition.
3. A securing apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the engagement means includes a moveable finger, selectively extendable through a hole in a securing part of the securing member.
4. A securing apparatus according to claim 3, in which the moveable finger is controlled by a solenoid. * * * ** *
5. A securing apparatus according to claims 3 or4, in which an opening is provided in the fixture member into which the securing part is selectivelylocatable. *** *

*.r 25
6. A securing apparatus according to claim 5, in which the moveable * finger is selectively extendable across the opening and through the hole in the securing part.
7. A securing apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 6, in which the securing member is elongate, with one end mounted to the fixture member, and the securing part on the other end.
8. A securing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the securing member is in the form of a flexible line means.
9. A securing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fixture member includes a frame upstanding from the ground.
10. Bicycle securing apparatus, the apparatus being according to any of the preceding claims, with the securing member engageable with a bike to lock same to the frame.
11. A bike securing system, the system including an enclosure with a lockable entrance means, which is unlockable using a proximity card with a first unique code, and a plurality of bicycle securing apparatus according to the above paragraph, the bicycle securing apparatus being operable to secure or release a bicycle by a proximity card with a second unique code.
12. A bike securing system according to claim 11, in which a single proximity card carries both the first and second unique codes. * * *

*::::* 20
13. A bike securing system according to claims 11 or 12, in which a different second unique code is provided for each bicycle securing apparatus. * S. * S S
14. A securing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings. 25 S..

*
15. Bicycle securing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. A bike securing system substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims. I... * II S. I * ISS * 0 * SQl S. C. * S S , II 0**I I...IISI